Bobbi Brown's 50 Shades of Lilac

She may be known for her classic style, but Bobbi Brown has been known to push the envelope when it comes to her color collections (gray lipstick and bright turquoise nail polish come to mind). For Spring 2013, the ingenious makeup artist releases the Lilac Rose Collection, which is inspired by flowers and jelly beans and includes lush pinks, lilacs, and heathers. To round out the collection, Brown anchored the bright violet hues with more neutral shades, such as mauve and gray hues. ELLE.com sat down with the cosmetics powerhouse to find out how purple hues work for all skin tones and the best ways to balance colorful looks with neutral shades.

Most Popular

ELLE: Why did you choose lilac this season when emerald emerged as the color trend of the year?

Bobbi Brown: I usually don't follow trends. I think that heather grays, cool taupes, and ashy mauves–all different shades of lilac—are a fresh take on a classic shade, and more universally flattering for all women.

ELLE: What was your inspiration for the lilac collection?

BB: In the spring, you see lilac everywhere—from flowers to jelly beans—so I wanted to translate this fresh, bright color into modern yet wearable shades that can be worn every day.

ELLE: We remember the bright purple you did a few years ago, did you think about that shade when creating this collection?

BB: The purple from our Tibi collaboration a couple of seasons ago was a little bolder and more fashion forward. This time, I wanted to create a shade of purple that was softer and more feminine.

ELLE: Are there women who should avoid wearing purple?

BB: The Lilac Rose Collection isn't just about purple. It features dusty pinks and heather grays, which are more natural shades of purple and are perfect for creating a feminine smoky eye. Plus, these shades have blue undertones, so they look flattering on all skin tones.

ELLE: What purple tone should those with fair, medium, and dark skin sport?

BB: Don't use your skin tone as a guide to choosing the color of your eyeshadow. Rather, for everyday application, pick shades of shadow that bring out your eye color. Light and pastel purple shades, like heather and lilac, best complement blue and green eyes; while darker purple colors like orchid work well with brown eyes. You know you've found the right shade when it makes the eyes look brighter and gives the face a lift.

ELLE: Is it okay to wear purple on the eyes and the lips at the same time?

BB: The most modern and flattering way to wear a bold color is on one part of your face at a time. Play up the eyes with a subtle purple shadow or the lips with a bold lilac gloss, but be sure to keep the rest of the face neutral.

ELLE: The purple lip gloss is quite bright; did you have a particular look in mind for it?

BB: It's all about keeping your makeup balanced. I love a bright lip with a neutral eye. It's an easy, wearable look that gives brightness to your face without looking over-the-top.

ELLE: Did you use this color at all during fashion week? If so, which shows did you use it in?

BB: I used the stormy gray and heather brown shadows from the Lilac Rose Eye Palette to create a soft smokey eye for Veronica Beard's Spring 2013 show. The look was dramatic but delicate.

ELLE: If someone isn't used to wearing color, how can they start integrating a brighter shade in without being totally shocking?

BB: Start small. Opt for a sheer lip color or gloss with a subtle pop of color and gradually work your way to a brighter shade. This way, you can ease into the look without it being completely out of character.